Botanical Gardens, Nature Centers and Zoos, Petting Farms & Wildlife Exhibits

WJ Beal Botanical Garden
Michigan State University
Lansing, MI
517-355-9582

University of Michigan’s Matthei Botanical Gardens
1800 North Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI
734-647-7600

University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum
1610 Washington Hts.
Ann Arbor, MI
734-647-7600
Nichols Arboretum features diverse plant collections and natural ecosystems for teaching, research, and personal enjoyment.

Lewis Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston, MI
248-625-6473
Nature center with exhibits and year-round educational programs conducted by park naturalists. Check their calendar for programs geared for homeschoolers.

Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Drive
Battle Creek, MI
269-979-1351
2006 Homeschool Days at Binder Park Zoo – Second Monday of the month, 11:00 am at the Conservation Discovery Center. Price includes Zoo admission and program. Separate programs for 4-7 year olds and 8 years old and older are available. Parents are welcome to stay. Programs will include a live animal encounter, activities, biofacts, and an outdoor trek. For more information and to register, please see http://www.binderparkzoo.org/program_file/homeschool.htm or call 269-979-1351 ext. 175. Dates for 2006 Homeschool Days : January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, 2006
Family Programs at Binder Park Zoo offers many exciting family programs. Choose from our Family Overnight Safari, Sunrise on Savanna, Breakfast for the Animals, Savanna Zookeeper Encounters or be a Zookeeper For A Day!

Detroit Zoo
8450 West Ten Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI
248-398-0900
The Detroit Zoo houses more than 1,200 animals from 286 species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the beautifully landscaped Zoo grounds aboard the miniature railroad that carries passengers to and from the Main Station near the park entrance and the African Station at the fartherest corner of the park. $6.00 adults, $2.00 children. Winter Hours are in effect: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. If you are a member of another zoo, show your membership card and ask for a discount.
See where Winky and Wanda, the Zoo’s former elephants, are and what has been happening to them since they’ve moved to a California sanctuary in April 2005.

Domino’s Petting Farm
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive
Ann Arbor, MI
734-998-0182
For people of all ages to learn about farming and farm animals. Open during winter months – weather permitting.

Mackinac Island Butterfly House
1308 Mc Gulpin St
Mackinac Island, MI
906-847-3972
A tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from around the world. Seasonal.